Bronze is too good to leave in defence’
PHIL NEVILLE has challenged Lucy Bronze to become the world’s best player – by transforming herself into a midfielder.
The Lionesses’ head coach believes that the defender – and newly crowned European Footballer of the Year – can hit even greater heights as part of his engine room.
Neville has lauded Bronze as the outstanding global talent at right-back, her current position.
But he used her again in midfield this week, after trying her there during the Shebelieves Cup five months ago.
Neville said: “Lucy is someone who needs challenges. We need to get her on the pitch in the best place possible to influence the game.
“She has real physical qualities. There will be times when we use her in midfield. And she’s the one driving it, she’s up for the challenge. She wants to be in the centre of the action.
“She could play in any outfield position at any level in the women’s game.
“She will be going back to right-back, but in training she’s been working on the positions that midfielders take. She has her own plan.
“Lucy wants to be the best in the world.
“A while ago we spoke about putting more crosses into the box from full-back and creating more chances. That didn’t excite her.
“But then we challenged her about winning the Ballon d’or, all of a sudden her eyes lit up. She needs stretching. She rises to that.”
Neville is in charge of the Team GB side for next summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
He said: “We can only take 18 – so if we have players who can play three or four positions that means we can attack the tournament with versatility and flexibility.”